Alternative Names

Causes

Liver spots are changes in skin color that occur in older skin. The increased color may be due to aging, exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet light, or causes that are not known.

Liver spots are very common after age 40. They occur most often on areas that have had the greatest sun exposure, such as the:

Backs of the hands

Face

Forearms

Forehead

Shoulders

Symptoms

Liver spots appear as a patch or area of skin color change (macule) that is:

Flat

Light brown to black in color

Located on the hands, arms, or forehead

Painless

Exams and Tests

Your doctor will diagnose the condition by how the skin looks, especially if you are over 40 and have had a lot of exposure to the sun. You may need a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis if a liver spot that looks irregular.

Treatment

No treatment is needed in most cases. You can improve the appearance of your skin by using skin bleaching lotions or creams. Most bleaching lotions use hydroquinone. This medicine is thought to be safe in the form used to lighten darkened skin areas. However, hydroquinone can cause blisters or skin reactions in some people. See your health care provider before starting treatment if you are worried.

Freezing (cryotherapy) or laser treatment can be used to destroy the liver spots.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Liver spots are not medically dangerous. They are permanent skin changes that may affect the cosmetic appearance of the skin.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

You have liver spots and want them removed

You develop any new symptoms, especially changes in the appearance of a liver spot

Prevention

Protect your skin from the sun by taking the following steps:

Cover your skin with clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.

Use sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Try to avoid sun exposure at midday, when sunlight is strongest.

Use high-quality sunscreens that have an SPF rating of at least 30. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before you go out in the sun. Reapply it often. Use sunscreen in the winter, as well.